Bindi Irwin shares father Steve's photo cradling baby kangaroo: "I wish he was here to give advice and strength"
Bindi Irwin took to Instagram on January 7 to share a photo of her late father Steve Irwin, with an emotional caption saying she wished he was still around to “give strength” amid bushfire crisis in Australia, which have claimed the lives of about one billion wild animals.
Steve, who was known for his love for all kinds of animals, was seen cradling a baby kangaroo in the picture. “Dad spent his life working so hard to protect wildlife and wild places, especially in Australia. I wish he was here right now to give advice and strength during this time of devastation with the bushfires,” Bindi wrote. "I know that his spirit lives on through our conservation work and I hope together we can make him proud.”
Needless to say, a stream of praises started flowing from her fans. "Every day you make him proud Bindi and Robert. You are perfect role models for young children and adults too. Tough times now for our furry and not so furry creatures. They need all the help and guidance they can get! Specially from one whose heart is so pure and passionate about their care," one user wrote.
Another commented: "My heart breaks for Australia! I get teary-eyed thinking about all the lives lost. I'm fundraising money for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors to help you guys keep doing amazing things, saving lives. Your dad would be so proud of your family's hard work."
Bindi reached out to Australian artist Sharnia-Mae Sturm, who has created a touching tribute to the animals who have perished in the fires. The artist has sketched Steve Irwin in heaven, dressed in his trademark khaki shorts and top, his arms outstretched, inviting souls of the deceased animals. “Don’t worry little guys! I’ll take care of you,” the words on the sketch reads.
Another sketch showed a group of animals, including koalas, kangaroos and an emu, looking lost as the sky behind them burnt a bright orange.
“This little tribute drawing goes to all the innocent animals caught in the blazes across my home country, it breaks my heart to see it’s still going on but there’s only so much that can be done to keep it from spreading,” Sturm wrote on Facebook. “I hope all the animals who couldn’t make it are now in heaven with Steve Irwin, being taken care of, and not having a care in the world or memory of how they got there. Rest In Peace fuzzy babies, we will miss you,” she went on.
In a later post, she acknowledged that Bindi had reached out to thank her for her artistic efforts. “I’m so proud, I found out last night that my drawing reached Bindi Irwin! She said it was beautiful and thanked me for sharing my art. That’s one of the biggest achievements I could reach from this. Just wow,” Sharnia-Mae wrote.